Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett was born in Pascagoula. His parents J.D. and Mary Loraine “Peets” Buffett both worked for ADDSCO/Atlantic Marine, and lived on the Eastern Shore until their deaths in 2003. Buffett grew up along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. He graduated high school from McGill Institute for Boys in 1964. He began playing guitar during his college years at Auburn University and The University of Southern Mississippi, where he received a bachelor’s degree in history in 1969.

Buffett began his musical career in Nashville during the late 1960s as a country artist and recorded his first album, the folk rock Down to Earth, in 1970. During this time Buffett could be frequently found busking for tourists in New Orleans.

Buffett then moved to Key West. 1977’s Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes featured the breakthrough hit song “Margaritaville”.

Buffett owns or licenses the Margaritaville Cafe and Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant chains. In June 2007, Buffett, in partnership with Harrah’s Entertainment, announced plans to build the Margaritaville Casino & Resort in Biloxi.

Buffett has written 3 No. 1 best-sellers: Tales from Margaritaville, Where Is Joe Merchant? and the non-fiction A Pirate Looks At Fifty. Buffett also co-wrote two children’s books, The Jolly Mon and Trouble Dolls.

Buffett has been involved in many charity efforts. In 1981, the Save the Manatee Club was founded by Buffett and former Florida governor Bob Graham.

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